6 Standard Comma Rules

6 Standard Comma Rules

1. A comma should be used to join two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (BOYSFAN: but, or, yet, so, for, and, nor).
2. A comma should be used to separate items in a series (the final one in front of the "and" has been declared optional--so it is not tested for on standardized tests)
Example:
3. A comma should be used after an introductory dependent/subordinate clause
4. A comma or commas should be used to set off appositives, interrupters, and parenthetical expressions
5. A comma should be used after introductory phrases [verbal or prepositional]---this one is now under debate about the necessity when the phrase is short [fewer than 5 words]6. A comma should be used after a single introductory word